Become a Respiratory Nurse in 3 Steps
Pursue a Career in Respiratory Nursing: 3 Simple Steps
If you're interested in a nursing field that combines challenge and excitement, respiratory nursing could be your perfect fit. These nurses are skilled in managing complex breathing disorders, preventing complications from acute or chronic issues like asthma, COPD, or pneumonia.
This guide breaks down how to become a respiratory nurse in three steps, covering topics like: - Who are respiratory nurses? - What are their responsibilities? - Where do they work? - What specific types exist? - How to become one in three steps? - Additional requirements? - Salary and career prospects? - FAQs.
What defines a respiratory nurse?
Known as pulmonary nurses, they specialize in treating patients with various respiratory ailments. This encompasses acute cases like pneumonia or COVID-19 and chronic issues like COPD or asthma. They may focus on different age groups, from children to the elderly.
Skills of a proficient respiratory nurse
To treat respiratory patients effectively, nurses need strong critical thinking and quick decision-making skills, especially during emergencies. Staying calm in crisis situations is crucial for patient assurance. They should also understand how respiratory issues interact with other health conditions.
What are the duties of a respiratory nurse?
These nurses provide vital care in respiratory emergencies and manage ongoing conditions. Their role ranges from helping patients on ventilators to educating those with COPD on maintaining their health.
Daily tasks of a respiratory nurse
Each shift varies with patient needs, involving tasks like: - Teamwork with nurses, doctors, and therapists to manage conditions - Giving medications - Assisting with breathing treatments - Providing tracheostomy care - Monitoring ventilator settings - Assessing patient changes, including vitals - Collecting patient medical history - Educating on self-management of respiratory issues - Conducting diagnostics and reporting to doctors - Adjusting oxygen as required
Common conditions handled by respiratory nurses
The respiratory system is susceptible to numerous conditions, both acute and chronic. Since these can quickly escalate to life-threatening stages, respiratory nurses must adeptly recognize and treat issues such as: - Acute respiratory distress syndrome - Acute chest syndrome - Asbestosis - Asthma - Acute or chronic bronchitis - COPD - Black lung disease - COVID-19 - Influenza - Pneumonia - Cystic fibrosis - Emphysema - E-cigarette or vaping-related lung injuries - Interstitial lung diseases - Lung cancer - Pneumothorax - Pulmonary arterial hypertension - Pulmonary embolism - Pulmonary fibrosis
Where do respiratory nurses work?
These nurses work in diverse environments, depending on patient demographics, such as: - Hospitals, primarily in ICUs and respiratory units - Outpatient clinics - Pediatric departments - Veterans Affairs facilities - Skilled nursing centers - Sleep disorder clinics
What specific types of respiratory nurses are there?
They can specialize in areas like: - Pediatrics - Critical care - Geriatrics - Rehabilitation medicine
These nurses support patients with targeted goals, like stabilizing ICU patients or aiding recovery in rehab centers.
Related fields
Related professions include: - Respiratory therapists - Pulmonary function technologists - Critical care nurses - Advanced practice critical care nurses
How to become a respiratory nurse in 3 steps?
Following a strategic approach is key to becoming a respiratory nurse. Whether you're new or experienced, a clear plan will lead you to this career.
Step 1 – Become a registered nurse
Your initial step is acquiring a nursing license, whether starting fresh or changing careers.
Earn a degree
The recommended path is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). While an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) offers opportunities, a BSN usually provides more job flexibility due to higher demand.
Alternative degree pathways include: - RN-BSN: For ADN holders, this eases the transition to a BSN. - ABSN: For those with a non-nursing bachelor's, this speeds up nursing education.
Pass the NCLEX exam
After an accredited program, passing the NCLEX exam is necessary for licensing, proving entry-level competency per state boards.
Step 2 – Gain experience
Once licensed, gaining field experience is vital. This hones critical thinking and helps you identify your passion, possibly leading to respiratory nursing.
Helpful skills and experience
To excel as a respiratory nurse, develop skills in: - Critical care nursing - Tracheostomy care - Managing ventilated patients - Respiratory assessments - Patient education and care planning - Experience in respiratory illness care
Transitioning to respiratory nursing
Nurses from other specialties can transition due to similar patient experiences. For instance, med-surg nurses often handle COPD, pneumonia, or respiratory issues, with transferable skills for recognizing severe complications.
Step 3 – Obtain certifications
While no specific certification exists for respiratory nursing, pursuing related ones is beneficial, like: - CCRN: Enhances practice for nurses with critically or acutely ill adults. - Certified Asthma Educator: Specializes in asthma education for high-quality support.
What are additional requirements for respiratory nurses?
Respiratory nurses must complete continuing education units (CEUs) to renew their licenses. Staying updated with new technology and treatment methods is crucial.
State nursing boards set renewal criteria, including mandatory courses. Nurses also fulfill a minimum number of CEUs based on practice activity since the last renewal.
What are the salary and career prospects for respiratory nurses?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses have a median annual salary of about $82,750. For respiratory nurses, salaries range from $67,000 (25th percentile) to $147,000 (75th percentile), with top earners (90th percentile) reaching around $162,500 annually.
Salaries depend on location, with some states offering higher averages, particularly in major cities. Demand for nurses is robust, with growth projected through 2030.
Job satisfaction
Considering respiratory nursing as a career? It offers engaging and challenging work. To understand job satisfaction, speak to current respiratory nurses.
Many hospitals have dedicated respiratory units, ideal for connecting with professionals for insights.
Next steps
After completing the three steps, you're ready to start as a respiratory nurse. Your journey doesn't have to stop here. Many respiratory-care-focused nurses advance further.
For instance, Pulmonary Nurse Practitioners manage severe or chronic lung diseases. Alternatively, you may expand into general critical care or nurse practitioner roles. Becoming a respiratory nurse is just the beginning of an exciting career!
FAQs
Who are respiratory nurses?
They manage complex respiratory issues, preventing complications from conditions like asthma, COPD, and COVID-19.
What is a respiratory nurse's salary?
Salaries range from $67,000 (25th percentile) to $147,000 (75th percentile), with top earners (90th percentile) making up to $162,500 annually.
What are their duties?
These nurses assist ventilator-dependent patients and support those with COPD and asthma.
